The Epiphany School announced the retirement of School President Jim Hayes, effective at the end of this summer, after nearly five decades of extraordinary dedication to Catholic education.
Hayes began his career as a Catholic educator in the Archdiocese of New York as a teacher at St. Brendan’s School in 1968. He has served The Epiphany School with unwavering faith, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to the mission of Catholic education as a teacher, principal, and, most recently, as the school’s first president.
During his 38-year tenure as principal, Hayes oversaw a period of tremendous growth at The Epiphany School. The school’s population grew from 250 to more than 500 students, the physical plant expanded from one building to three, and cutting-edge technology was introduced at every grade level. His vision and commitment to the future of excellent Catholic education led to the creation of the Epiphany School Foundation in 1999.
“Hayes’s impact on generations of Epiphany students, families, faculty, and alumni is immeasurable,” the school said in announcing his retirement.
Mary Carroll French named new president
The school also announced the appointment of Mary Carroll French as the next president of The Epiphany School, effective September 1.
Carroll French, a 1977 graduate and parent of a 2009 graduate, brings to the role a passion for Catholic education, a strong background in leadership, and a deep appreciation for the values that have guided Epiphany for more than a century. She has experienced Epiphany as a student, parent, parishioner, Epiphany Family Association chair, and Epiphany School Foundation board member.
Carroll French’s professional experience includes school leadership and admissions, law, and nonprofit work. As president, she will work closely with school leadership, Father Austin E Titus III, and the Epiphany School Foundation to lead strategic planning, strengthen community engagement, and support major fundraising initiatives.
“We are confident that Carroll French will build upon Hayes’s remarkable legacy and help to guide Epiphany into a strong and faithful future,” the school said.
The school plans to celebrate Hayes and his remarkable career more fully in the coming months while preparing for the important leadership transition.